Artist Interview Series: Eilish Briscoe

05 Mar 2025

Part of an ongoing series of interviews delving into the artists, designers and thinkers & doers of our time.

1. Where are you based and how is it shaping you?

I live in London but I grew up in a small village in the North West of England. London is such a fast-paced environment compared to where I grew up. I find it sometimes energising and sometimes draining but I think London has pushed me creatively, in a place like this your mind is constantly being stimulated and challenged.

2. Which book is on your bedside table?

Currently on my bedside table there are a few books. I often read a few at a time for different purposes. I recently purchased the second issue of the ‘Imperfect Index’, a reference book for a more expansive understanding of graphic design. Also on my bedside table is another recent purchase, ‘Come Alive! The Spirited Art of Sister Corita’, an amazing book about the life and artwork of Sister Corita in 1960’s America with loads of visual inspiration inside. I often over face myself with reading books I feel I should so I try to always have a book on the go that is purely for the love of reading and relaxing before bed, at the moment I am reading Circe by Madelline Miller, it’s a contemporary adaptation of various greek myths and I’m really enjoying it, it’s a real page turner!

3. What social accounts do you keep returning back to?

For me it’s Instagram. I have a love-hate relationship with it. There is a lot of negative stuff on there that I try to avoid but I do enjoy using Instagram as a source for inspiration and connection. I have connected with countless exhibitions, artists and organisations so for that reason I think it’s an amazing tool.

4. Favourite piece of art?

I find this such a hard question. There are so many artworks that have had a huge impact on my life, and the list is ever growing. An artwork that sprung to mind when I first read the question was Felix Gonzalez-Torres, ‘Untitled (Perfect Lovers). I think it is the most devastatingly beautiful expression of love and loss. For whatever reason that artwork has really stuck with me. I think it’s partly because that was one of the first conceptual artworks that I felt I truly understood and it really blew me away.

5. What song have you got on repeat?

I am huge music lover. An album that I have really been enjoying recently is Nala Sinephro, Endlessness. It’s the perfect soundtrack to the studio and life. 

6. The biggest life lesson you have learnt?

Anything can happen at any time. Make time for your dreams, for your family, for your friends and just for yourself. You don’t know when you might not have the option to do so.

7. One person that inspires you?

I am very lucky I have a lot of inspirational people in my life. My partner, Adam Kaye, inspires me enormously. He’s the epitome of someone that just follows their bliss. And I have never met anyone with so much love to give the world. 

8. Do you have anything exciting you’re currently working on?

I have a lot of ideas, but it’s always hard choosing what to focus on first. I recently finished my MakeYourOwnMasters course, so I am adjusting to life without that framework. I hope this year to collaborate more and have a couple of exciting projects in the pipeline.

9. Next place on your travel wish list?

If I had the time and money I would love to go Japan. The fusion of old and new in the Japanese culture is fascinating. From an artistic point of view, I’d love to know more about Japanese paper-making and print-making.

10. What do you think about the state of advertising?

I don’t pretend to know much about the world of advertising but the optimist in me hopes that advertising can be something that guides us towards things that might genuinely enhance our lives and not just drive meaningless consumerism - that is my hope.

To see more of Eilish's work check out her Instagram.